Expression profiles of the CD274 and PLEKHH2 gene and association of its polymorphism with hematologic parameters in sheep.

CD274 and PLEKHH2 genes have been identified as immune- and multiple diseases-related genes, and have recently garnered significant interest. However, their role in regulating immune functions in sheep remains largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of polymorphisms in CD274 and PLEKHH2 on hematologic parameters in 915 sheep. Our results showed that the CD274 and PLEKHH2 genes were most highly expressed in the spleen and tail fat, respectively, as determined by qRT-PCR. We also identified a G to A mutation (g 0.11858 G > A) in the exon 4 region of CD274, and a C to G mutation (g 0.38384 C > G) in the intron 8 region of PLEKH2. Association analysis revealed that CD274 g 0.11858 G > A was significantly associated with RBC, HCT, MCHC, and MCV (P < 0.05), while PLEKHH2 g 0.38384 C > G was significantly associated with HCT, MPV, MCHC, and MCV (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CD274 and PLEKHH2 genes may play a role in regulating blood physiological indicators and could be potential functional candidates for influencing immune traits in sheep breeding programs.